Devotees Throng Shrines Across Odisha On New Year’s Day

Bhubaneswar: A night after people bid farewell to 2022 and welcomed the new year 2023 with pomp and gaiety across Odisha, they thronged temples to seek blessing of the deities in large numbers on Sunday.

While Jagannath Temple in Puri, Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Samaleswari Temple in Sambalpur, and other shrines across the state witnessed a huge footfall of devotees, lakhs gathered at Puri and Konark beaches to witness the first sunrise of this year.

“We sought blessings of Lord Lingaraj on the first day of new year. May 2023 bring happiness and prosperity to all,” said a devotee who visited Lingaraj temple this morning.

Meanwhile, a huge crowd was also witnessed at Maa Kalijai temple in Chilika. “We did not expect to visit Kalijai temple this year, but by god’s grace we could take blessings on the occasion of new near,” said another devotee in Chilika.